PARISH CONTACT DETAILS:

General enquiries

Lumen Christi Catholic Parish, Wollongong 

Diocese of Wollongong 

PO Box 874 (36 Harbour Street)

Ph: (02) 42 110500

Office hours: Monday to Friday (9:00am–1:00pm)

Click here to view the Parish Mass Times

I warmly invite you to share with your school communities a special opportunity taking place at St John Vianney Co-Cathedral, Fairy Meadow, on Tuesday 14 October at 9:30am. This Mass will be offered for all mothers, especially those preparing to give birth.

At this Mass, the Blessing for Expectant Mothers will be prayed. This is a simple but deeply moving way for our parish community to show our prayerful affection, encouragement, and solidarity with mothers and families during these sacred and often challenging moments of life.

The blessing is connected with St Gerard Majella, who is honoured throughout the Church as “The Mothers’ Saint.” St Gerard was born on 6 April 1726 in Muro, Italy. Though his father died when Gerard was only 12, leaving the family in poverty, Gerard sought to serve God faithfully. After being denied entry to the Capuchins due to poor health, he was accepted as a Redemptorist brother and served humbly as a gardener, tailor, fundraiser, peacemaker, and spiritual adviser.

Despite frail health throughout his short life, Gerard became known for his deep prayer, patience, kindness, and prophetic insight. He bore false accusations with humility and continued to seek only the will of God. He died of tuberculosis on 16 October 1755 at the age of 29. His feast day is kept on that date.

The devotion to St Gerard as patron of mothers comes from a remarkable incident in the last months of his life. After leaving the home of the Pirofalo family, one of the daughters called out that he had forgotten his handkerchief. Gerard replied, in a moment of prophetic foresight: “Keep it. It will be useful to you someday.” Years later, when the young woman was in danger of death during childbirth, she remembered Gerard’s words, called for the handkerchief, and immediately the danger passed. She gave birth to a healthy child. From this miracle, devotion to St Gerard spread rapidly, especially among Italian mothers, and later throughout the world with the help of Italian immigrant women.

Today, countless mothers, especially those expecting children or experiencing difficult pregnancies, continue to call upon St Gerard’s intercession with confidence and trust. His prayer is sought for unborn children, for safe delivery, and for mothers in every stage of family life.

At this special Mass on 14 October, mothers who are expecting will be invited to receive the Blessing for Expectant Mothers. Families are warmly encouraged to come and surround these mothers with their love and support. It is a tangible way for us to say together: “You are not alone, and we walk with you in faith and hope.”

Thank you the Fairy Meadow Catholic Women’s League for initiating this beautiful devotion in our parish. Their care and commitment to prayerful support of mothers and families is an inspiring witness.

Please extend this invitation to all parents in your school communities. We would love to see families from across our parish and schools gather for this grace-filled occasion.

St Gerard Majella, pray for us!